WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – The US Federal Police FBI says it prevented a suspected attack on a martial arts event in front of the White House last Sunday – US President Donald Trump’s birthday. As a result of a cross-state operation, several people were taken into custody, FBI chief Kash Patel wrote on the X platform on Tuesday. The allegedly planned attacks were “nipped in the bud.”
Drones and snipers planned
A Fox News report shared by the FBI chief said, citing agency officials, that drones loaded with explosives were to be used in the suspected attack. This was intended to hit buildings in the area to force an evacuation of the event and drive participants towards a group of snipers. The plan was then to storm the entrance to the White House, it was said.
The FBI and law enforcement became aware of a “potential threat” to the event as early as June 10, Patel wrote. As Fox News and CBS News reported, an arrest was made. The investigators became aware of the suspected attack plans in chats via the Signal messenger service, which led to further arrests. The White House did not immediately comment on the reports.
Event on Trump’s birthday
US President Trump is considered a fan of mixed martial arts – an often bloody combat sport that combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, karate and jiu-jitsu, among others. At Sunday’s event, top stars from the professional MMA league Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competed against each other in a specially built arena.
In addition to Trump and his family, the guests also included several cabinet members and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The official occasion was the celebrations surrounding the 250th Independence Day of the USA. However, this is dated July 4th./alz/DP/stw